HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A home in Chesterfield and a home in Highland Springs were raided almost simultaneously Sunday by federal agencies and local police as part of an investigation into a suspected terror plot, according to law enforcement sources and neighbors. Ronald Beasley Chaney Jr., the father of Chesterfield terror plot suspect Ronald Beasley Chaney III, and his wife were arrested on weapons and drug charges.
Ronald Beasley Chaney Jr.
"There was a bunch of police cars out there," Willie Solomon, who lives near East Jerald Street in Highland Springs, said. "They had AR's. I think I counted seven Suburbans with blacked out windows, cop cars. It was heavy duty."
Officers and agents wearing jackets with FBI and ATF on the back were seen bringing evidence boxes out of the Henrico home, according to neighbors. They said investigators were rifling through vehicles parked in the driveway.
Chaney III is one of three men named in federal court papers as part of a foiled plot to bomb or shoot-up black churches and synagogues. The alleged plot involved an undercover agent who said he would provide guns and other explosives to Chaney III, Robert Doyle and Charles Halderman.
Ronald Beasley Chaney III, Robert Doyle and Charles Halderman
Chaney III was recently released from prison after serving time for malicious wounding and robbery, neighbors said. He told them he was released early for good behavior. People living in both Highland Springs and Candlelamp Lane in Chesterfield said that seemed laughable, considering the seriousness of threats and charges.
"It’s crazy, man,” said Nick Murphy, who lives in the Chesterfield neighborhood. “It was all right here."
Chaney Jr. declined a request for a jailhouse interview. People who answered the door at the Highland Springs home declined to comment on the situation. If you have information about this situation, email a news tip here.
